Mayo TD 'shocked and saddened' by Louis Theroux's viral Netflix documentary

A Mayo TD has spoken in the Oireachtas about Louis Theroux's viral documentary, 'Inside the Manosphere', streaming on Netflix.

Deputy Keira Keogh observed: "It was shocking in very many ways and I think sad in many ways, but it also offered many insights as to why the manosphere was gaining momentum.

"The manosphere often promotes narratives that portray women as a threat to men's status or well-being.

"While there are at times legitimate concerns about men's mental health or social pressures, it should not be seen as a licence to force accountability for this on women.

"Often, these narratives amplify misogyny, encourage hostility towards women and give rise to extreme ideologies.

"It is clear that these narratives attempt to shape attitudes among a younger generation, influence their behaviour online and contribute to a modern culture of harassment due to gender.

"It is imperative that we develop effective responses to the manosphere to promote healthy and, importantly, respectful engagement and dialogue between genders."

The Westport-baded TD said in Ireland, the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2025-2030 sets out seven clear goals.

"These include ambition and opportunity, because too many girls rule themselves out of STEM leadership and public life, but not due to their ability.

"There is also safety, because domestic, sexual and gender-based violence remains a reality for too many women and girls.

"Economic independence is there because women still earn less on average and are more likely to be in insecure or part-time employment.

"Health and well-being are included because women's health, from endometriosis to menopause to mental health, is far too overlooked.

"There is care, because women continue to carry the greatest share of unpaid care and the mental load that entails.

"Then there is the goal of challenging stereotypes, because expectations about how women and girls should look or act still shape the opportunities that may be afforded to them."